HUMAN ERROR GROWING FACTOR IN PIPELINE LEAKS

Human error, whether burying a pipeline too shallow or not fastening bolts tightly enough, is increasingly a factor contributing to pipeline leaks, federal data suggests. Figures compiled by the National Energy Board show that in the past three years, incorrect operation — which covers everything from failing to follow procedures to using equipment improperly — has caused an average of 20 leaks per year. That’s up from an average of four annually in the previous six years. Mark Fleming, a professor of safety culture at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, said that to achieve the higher levels of safety required by other industries such as the airline or nuclear power sectors would require extreme attention to detail.